Auston Matthews Ripped Apart by Maple Leafs Analyst After Failing to Defend Easton Cowan

Auston Matthews and Easton Cowan are linemates now, and as the captain of the team, Matthews has a responsibility to defend the rookies.

Unfortunately, Matthews has never been much of a fighter, and getting him to engage in extra-curriculars can sometimes be like pulling teeth.

A couple of nights ago, against the Nashville Predators, Matthews refused to do anything to Ozzy Wiesblatt, who threw Cowan into the post, and could have seriously injured him.

It was a bad move, yet the Leafs' captain decided not to do anything. The only person who joined the scrum was Chris Tanev, who is one of the oldest guys on the team.

Matthews has been garnering a lot of deserved criticism for this. In fact, on Wednesday afternoon, Nick Kypreos was on "The Real Kyper & Bourne," where he took the captain to task.

In Kypreos's mind, Matthews needs to be a lot better. Not to mention, Brad Treliving promised a new DNA, and the captain's inaction is part of the old DNA.

One has to wonder if Auston Matthews is actually ever going to change in this regard. Given how long he has been in the league, it is very unlikely.

Having said that, perhaps head coach Craig Berube can have a chat with him to undo some of this. The bad habits seriously need to go.

This is a Maple Leafs team that can actually be great. However, if Matthews shows zero intensity, that greatness will never materialize.

Only time will tell whether or not the Maple Leafs finally get what they need from their core forwards.